Statement by Mr. Wang Qun of the Chinese Delegation at the Second Committee of the 66th GA under Item 26: Towards Global Partnerships

2011/11/03

Mr. Chairman,

I wish to begin by welcoming the Secretary General’s report under this item, which gives a full picture of the latest development of the UN’s cooperation with its partners, especially the private sector.

Mr. Chairman,

At present, with increased risk of global economic downturn and intertwining global challenges from the financial crisis to food and energy security and climate change, international development endeavor is facing greater difficulties. The international community should join hands in tackling these challenges. We believe that strengthening global partnerships will help mobilize resources from all quarters for the on-schedule realization of the MDGs. To fully tap the potentials of global partnerships, we must pay attention to the following points.

First, the UN should play a greater role in prompting enterprises to implement the Global Compact. Fulfilling social responsibilities by enterprises brings win-win results for both enterprises and the society. Poverty eradication, economic growth, social equity, environmental protection and resource and energy conservation cannot be achieved without the participation of enterprises. The Global Compact is a very important UN initiative for facilitating the establishment of partnership between the public and private sectors, and it serves as a bridge between governments and enterprises. The UN should leverage its resources and influence to provide guidance to governments for them to promote the active participation of enterprises in activities under the Global Compact, thus contributing to the timely achievement of the MDGs and sustainable development.

Secondly, inter-governmental development partnership remains the core of international development cooperation. The public-private partnership, as its supplement, should be in line with the national development strategy of developing countries, fully respect their wishes, and work in areas where development cooperation and financial and technical assistance are most urgently needed. This is in the interest of the long-term and sustainable development of the partnership between the public and private sectors.

Thirdly, the independence and impartiality of the UN must be maintained. In establishing partnerships with the private sector, the UN agencies, funds and programs must safeguard the reputation of the UN. In selecting potential partners for cooperation, the UN should establish relevant screening criteria. At the same time, it is also necessary to strengthen assessment and monitoring of existing partnerships so as to detect problems in time and make improvements.

Mr. Chairman,

Fulfilling social responsibilities and achieving harmonious development has become a shared goal of the government and business circle in China. Many enterprises in China have integrated social responsibilities into their business strategy, and 230 of them have joined the Global Compact and taken part in the relevant activities. Some large enterprises have publicized their reports on social responsibilities to open to the monitoring by the society. The Chinese government will continue to intensify cooperation with all parties in our joint efforts to achieve the MDGs on schedule.